Category Archives: Relationships

Being in a relationship has many blessings and benefits. “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine.” Whether it’s a romantic, professional, or just plain “friends” type of relationship— no healthy relationship is ever just “1-sided”. Our relationship with God is very similar. Check out this definition of 2-way in the dictionary:

Two-way: adjective // allowing or involving movement or communication in opposite directions : a two-way radio | make the interview a two-way process.
• involving two participants : a two-way presidential race.
• (of a switch) permitting a current to be switched on or off from either of two points.

Check out this scripture. It has 2 actions, and 2 benefits:

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.Psalm 50: 23 [nkjv]

Can you find them? I bet you can.2 ACTIONS 2 BENEFITS 1. Whoever offers praise…………………………………….. 1. Glorifies Me2. Him who orders his conduct aright…………………. 2. I will show the salvation of God.

I’m not real good with math, or with long-drawn out details with tons of information; but give me a few steps, or a couple keys, and you’ll have me running in no time. Because I sure do want [1] God to be gloried in my life, and I want Him to [2] to show me the salvation, deliverance, and victory that I so desperately need in my life. So what will it take?

[1] Praise is the opposite of complaining. It’s saying to God: “O Lord, in the midst of this situation, I just offer praise to You!” Complaining says to people: “I just get irritated with my life, because I don’t have any time to do what I want to do!” Notice the difference? One is directed to God, the other to people. Someone might say, “Yeah, but I’ve complained to God before.” But I bet it didn’t last long. Why? Because it was a prayer, and when you begin to get God in your situation—it won’t be long before you’re having a way different perspective; and you’ll soon be praising and thanking Him for the victory that begins to flood your heart. You praise Him, and God is glorified. It’s a 2-way street.

[2] Although I would not say I’m a “Type-A” personality, I do like things in order. Ok, ok, I confess… I like to make my bed before I leave for work. Similarly, in our relationship with God, order is a very important component. When our lives are in disarray it’s hard to see God and to navigate His will. For example, if you haven’t read your Bible in a while, (or don’t happen to know where it is right now), or you haven’t had a quality Quiet Time in a while — chances are you get upset very easily, and frustration has been a emotion you feel on a regular basis. Our conduct must be ordered. It’s the way we behave and carry ourselves. Yes, you need victory over that habit, you’re praying for God’s blessing on your finances — but it’s a 2-way street.

Get clear on what needs to change in your conduct, begin to purposely praise God instead of complaining, and watch God move in your behalf. Remember, in your relationship with God—it’s a 2-way street.

1. I have the most amazing son in the world. Last night I watched some old videos we made together, and it brought me to tears at just how talented and brilliant a kid he is. I’m beginning to see how blind I’ve been – only seeing his messy room, or the chores he hans’t done. My son needs his Daddy’s encouragement more than his correction.

2. I don’t spend nearly enough time with my son. As my son was getting ready for his trip to Chile, I thought, “This will be good for him – he’ll learn something from the experience.” Little did I know, I’d learn something too. As my son is away, I miss those times of just hanging out with this amazing young man.

3. Ministering to people can never be more important that ministering to my son. I know this in theory, but sometimes my son can get the left-overs of my day. I know he must feel cheated and frustrated some of the time. My son will never be able to make sense out of the way this can make him feel. We have to make our kids feel special by demonstrating to them that they really are important.

4. Priorities can make or break a family. Paying more attention to my computer screen at home sends a strong message to my family, “I’d rather spend time with this than spend time with you.” I never want to convey that to my family. Work hard at work, then play hard at home. Never get those two things twisted.

5. Being a Father is one of the most awesome blessings in life. I would never trade my son for a billion dollars. In fact, it’s because I have a son is proof that I am blessed and rich indeed. My son is the greatest blessing I have in my life. In him I see my beautiful wife, my self, and I see a young man who is so handsome, strong, gifted, and who has wisdom far beyond his years. I feel a sense of honor and privilege that God Himself would choose me to be his Father.

In Maui, we now have the world’s largest digital camera, (located on top of Mt. Haleakala, of course). It’s ability to capture the span of 40 moons across the canvas of outer space – is amazing indeed. But the main function of this camera is not mere “star gazing”, no, it’s used to watching out for meteors that could potentially “rock our world”. (Remember the movie, “Armageddon”?)

”Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” [John 13:1]

On the night Jesus was to be betrayed, He took His disciples to a place called: “loving them to the end.” And when you see a person loving his dearest friends to the very end his life, what does that look like? The phrase, “…to the end” has it’s origin in the greek: telos, from which we get the word, Telescope. Jesus was absolutely focused and zeroed-in on demonstrating His love for His disciples.

When you look up to the God of the universe, what do you see? What are you expecting? Many people actually think of God as One who is dropping “meteors of trials” down on them, as if He is the “Cosmic Kill-Joy” of the universe. Others are always expecting the worse thing will happen, and that “…Oh, God probably doesn’t love me, because of all the bad things I’ve done….” But, here’s the thing, when you look through telescope of God’s Word [James 1:22-25], you’ll see that what is on the horizon for your life are… the multitude of mercies and love drops from Heaven, because of the great love of a great God. And just like Jesus loved those disciples of His to very end, in the same way He will love you and I – right up to the very end. Aren’t you glad for a Saviour like this?!

Pray This Prayer“Lord, this morning I want to thank You for Your great Love for me. I know at times I deserve a meteor of judgement, but I ask for mercy and for grace to be extended from the scepter of Your Throne. I receive Your unconditional, agape love over my life and right now, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

So many people get bored in Church. Why? Well, here’s one hypothesis: Because we never invite anyone to Church! Isn’t that true? We think the problem is with the preacher, with the people, with the uncomfortable pew we’re sitting on, but noooooooo… “the problem couldn’t be with us.” But it is. We’ve become a fossil, and the Church has become our “museum”. The only person we’re concerned about is ourselves. [Ouch]. But if we’d take a pro-active stance to evangelize and hand out invites for our Church when we’re at the grocery store, gas station then maybe “Church” wouldn’t be so “boring”.

How about inviting that co-worker to Church? I know, I know… you asked them before, right? But that was a year ago! No doubt the Holy Spirit has been working in their life, so it’s time to ask them again. Go for it, and see if it doesn’t make “Church” more exciting. Because when your friend finally comes, and find the Lord, you will be ecstatic!

Most people don’t really know the language of young people, but… a Best Friend is worth their weight in Gold. The link below will take you to a quick 15 minute MP3 on iTunes. If you have a BFF then take a quick listen and see if your relationship will improve as you head into 2009.Whatcha Doin with your BFF?

A “Daniel Fast” is when you abstain from “Pleasant Food” [Daniel 10:3], and eat only fruit, vegetables, nuts, etc. [Just click on the link above and you’ll see a Bulletin at the bottom of the page with alot more info]. But someone once said…

“Drastic times require drastic measures.”

You don’t have to go the full 21 days. You can do a meal here and there, and perhaps the 2 week you can go a couple days. The point is to do something. “…deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus!”

You and I are living in a time where this world is literally collapsing around us, and if your heart isn’t strengthened, and if you aren’t as close to God as you think you are…. you won’t be able to make it. You say, “how absurd!?” Really? Jesus Christ, Himself – fully God, fully man went on a 40-Day Fast because He knew the severity of living in this sin-soaked world. If you & I don’t stand strong for Christ in the day-and-age that we’re living in we’re going to be swept off our feet with the ever-increasing tide of sin.

The time to stop it is now! It’s time for a change! Join our 21-Day Fast today!

So horrible and sick! This is happening in Churches around the world, and the Lord of the Church is about ready to lock somebody up!

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Cor. 15-16

SCRIPTURE

“For I am the least [worthy] of the apostles, who am not fit or deserving to be called an apostle, because I once wronged and pursued and molested the church of God [oppressing it with cruelty and violence]. 1 Cor. 15:9 AMP

OBSERVATION
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase of molestation. I’m not taking about priests, pastors or Sunday school workers. I am talking about those who are molesting the Church. The apostle Paul was once guilty of such a heinous crime. Back in the day he would do such cruel things to these kind saints. I wonder how many of us have forgotten just how bad we have been before we came to Christ. Even Paul here, after being used so mightily by God, stands his ground by saying, “I am the least [worthy] of the apostles, who am not fit or deserving.” Why is it that after awhile of being a part of the Church that we somehow think we deserve so many things? We used to be so grateful just to be saved. And yet after being saved for a few years and after attending Church Sunday after Sunday we begin to get a little rough around the edges, and then we spite the Church and, in a sense, “molest” it by our critical attitudes. We become “Church Molesters” by speaking against the way “they do” Church. We speak against our precious leaders that God has set in place, and thus we spear at the very heart of Christ and slap His innocent children in the back room of our griping sessions. If we’re not careful the Lord of the Church will incarcerate the “Church Molesters” and throw away the key.

APPLICATION
I am just amazed at the holy humility I see here in the apostle Paul. He is so real and transparent. He knows he doesn’t deserve the blessing of being apart of the ministry – the work of God. He seems to be living in such a way that he knows where he is going because he understands where he has comes from. This morning I want to remember all that God has done in my life and how grateful I am to be where I am. God doesn’t owe me anything. I’m fortunate to be alive, not to mention be in the ministry. I want to gain a new appreciating for the Church – God’s House and make sure I’m doing all I can to protect and stand up for her.

PRAYER “Lord, I know I’m unworthy to be called by your holy Name. Please forgive me for taking your Holy Spirit for granted and for not maintaining the humility that I see the apostle Paul. No matter what others do or say empower me today to stand firm until the very end. Let me be a blessing, and not just seek a blessing. Fill me afresh today. Give me a new perspective. Anoint me with fresh Oil I ask. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”